Round 2: Broncos v Rabbitohs preview
Lachlan previews the upcoming game between the Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium, Milton / Yuggera-Turrbal.
From American woes to Brisbane's cauldron
In both clubs' first game of the season on Australian soil, the Brisbane Broncos will host the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night to open round two. Both sides are coming off of defeats under the bright lights of Allegiant Stadium, but will be hoping to find their rhythm for the 2024 season with a win. It's been a long turnaround for both clubs, allowing them plenty of time to rest and reflect upon their respective round one losses.
The Broncos could not take the lead at any point against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, going down 20-10 after trailing 8-4 at the break. They were hindered by the early loss of Brendan Piakura to a head injury, although he has been named back in his second row spot for this game. Payne Haas led the charge as usual in the pack, racking up nine tackle breaks and 54 post contact metres, topped only by winger Selwyn Cobbo.
Corey Jenson has been named to start in the number eight, however last week he was a late shift to the bench, making way for Taupau to start, so keep an eye out for late mail. Veteran Corey Oates is again the 18th man.
The Bunnies had the privilege of opening the season against Manly in Vegas, but were underwhelming in a 36-24 loss. The game went back and forth, with the Rabbitohs getting out to a solid lead early in the second half, only to go scoreless for half an hour until the 78th minute and letting the Sea Eagles take control. Latrell Mitchell was on top of his game, but consistency will be key for him this year.
In terrible news for South Sydney, Jai Arrow has been left out of the 17 for this weekend, battling a rotator cuff injury. The best case scenario is shaping as a four week recovery, however if surgery is required it could be much worse for Arrow. His spot is taken by Tallis Duncan, who is set to make his first NRL appearance since round eight last year. Shaq Mitchell takes a bench spot from Jacob Host in a surprise move from Demetriou.
The Rabbitohs have only won 15 of 48 matchups with the Broncos since their first meeting in 1988.
Last meeting: Round 21 2023 - Rabbitohs 20 Broncos 36
Who to watch: 30 year old Billy Walters is now firmly cemented as the number nine at Brisbane after a roundabout journey to the top grade. Racking up nearly 100 appearances in Queensland reserve grade, plus a further 7 in NSW Cup, Walters has now been in the 17 week on week over the past two years at the Broncos after breaking through. He played a handful of games at the Tigers throughout the covid years after making his debut for Melbourne in 2019. He is one half of the father-son team at Brisbane, with dad Kevin now in his fourth year at the helm at Red Hill.
Alex Johnston is the third-highest try scorer in Australian first-grade rugby league history, an astounding accomplishment given he has not yet reached his 30th birthday. Lining up on the wing for the Rabbitohs for his entire ten year NRL career to date, Johnston has also represented PNG internationally, as well as playing one test match for Australia. Simply a hat trick in this Thursday's game would be enough for Johnston to overtake Billy Slater in the all time try scorers list, a significant motivator for the 2022 Dally M Winger of the Year.
Favourite: The Broncos are the comfortable favourites to record their first win of the season in front of their home fans up against the Bunnies.
My tip: Brisbane will have learnt a lot from last week and now get the benefit of a home game after a long trip to and from Las Vegas. I think they will be ready to get into the swing of things and make a real statement. Broncos by 14.
